GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Indiana Snowbird Club welcomed 122 in attendance at the first club breakfast, Jan. 12.

The club meets at Lulu's in Gulf Shores, located at Homeport Marina. People began arriving at about 7:30 a.m., around 8 a.m., the ROTC honors team from Gulf Shores High School presented the colors, and led the breakfast group in the pledge of allegiance. This was much appreciated by the Indiana Club members. Lulu's famous breakfast buffet with plenty of good food got under way shortly after that.

The program for the morning was a presentation by Herb Malone of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, talking about the area, its many amenities, and what has happened over the summer. Herb presented our first program of the season last year also, and he said there was a big difference in his frame of mind in comparing last year to this year.

Last year, he was asking for "Help" — the beaches were clean, the oil leak was gone, and his main concern was convincing people to "come on down" again. This year Herb spent time in being happy and thankful for the big return by groups from all over the north, including Indiana.

So, his message was a "Big Thank You" this year. He said "….people came down in droves" last year, and he talked about how delightful it was to see it all happen. There is still "bad news" and "good news" in the area. Herb describes the "foreclosures" and "bankruptcies", seemingly an inescapable result of the economy as "very bad news."

But there is plenty of good news, too, such as the nearly full schedule for the Conference Center in Orange Beach, and recent news of the sale of the Wharf, which will result in some amazing changes in that place, Malone said.

The first meeting is always one of reunion and celebration for the Indiana faithful, a chance to greet and share with all of our friends we see here in lower Alabama from year to year. Everyone claimed to be "settled in" quickly this year, then looked up all of their favorite eating places, and checked the newspapers for new and exciting happenings.

It looked like several new couples were here for the very first time, as they sat and listened to Herb Malone and others talk about the amenities of the area.

The second club breakfast is set for Jan. 26, same time and place, and will feature another good program. That program will be a lively music group, "Cool Change". Plan to come and enjoy the time together.

President Doris Gammon will announce other club plans, giving you an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities and opportunities to pitch in and help.

Beverly Lockhart is V.P. this year. Sue Bowmer is Secretary, and Shirley Plank is Treasurer. Committee Chairpersons are already busy with various responsibilities, and all will be present to greet you and your guests and welcome you to the fun and camaraderie.

You may call Doris Gammon at 981-6901-14153 to log in a reservation. A reservation is not necessary in order to attend a breakfast, but we like to be able to advise the restaurant how many to prepare for. The cost is $8 per person, same as last year, and it includes drink, tax, and tip.

It also include a small amount for club expenses. Memberships are also available at the meeting for $2.50 (per year) per person, and this money funds the traditional Indiana Club charitable donation to the community.

You don't have to be a member to enjoy the twice monthly breakfasts, but that is a good way to support the club, and the club counts on memberships to raise funds to support our projects.

As of Jan. 1, 148 Hoosiers have already pre-registered as members and many thanks are due to them. The Indiana Club Breakfasts have turned out to be a wonderful way to meet new friends and connect with old ones. In that spirit, we look forward to seeing you at each breakfast!

The Indiana Club will again be active in many community events which are moving along in the planning process at the moment. One of the largest projects, which all the clubs share in putting together, is the "Super BratFest" , planned this year for February 4, the first Saturday in February.

Hoosiers usually respond very well with volunteers, and sign-up sheets were available at our first meeting for working in some aspect of the "drive-through". If you didn't sign up for something, and feel that you can help, please give chairman Gary McClurg a call at 981-2039, or be sure to sign up at our next breakfast on Thursday, January 26. We'll need "Wrappers and Packers" and plenty of "Order-Takers". Highlight your calendar now to remind yourself of the next breakfast!